Tensioner pulley cutting into engine block - CAUTION

[eleveniron]

1997 Trans Sport - 200,000 kms

I just changed my belt and water pump recently. When I was in there I noticed that the tensioner pulley was cutting into the side of the engine block. When the spring section of the tensioner assembly gets worn, the tensioner arm will sit off-set when the belt tension is on it and the pulley will rub into the block. There is only about a 1/4" clearence there with a new tensioner assembly. My block is OK but the groove is probably at least 1/16" deep and surprisingly very little damage to the plastic pulley. I now realize that there was a slight noise coming from that area of the engine, but it sounded more like a water pump starting to pack it in.

Steve